Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers with a DUI, license suspension, uninsured accident, or multiple violations typically receive an SR-22 filing requirement from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, lasting 3 years from the reinstatement date. If your SR-22 period is ending or recently ended, you are now eligible to shop standard carriers that would not write you during the filing period—and rates typically drop 30–50% in the first 12 months post-requirement.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
Post-SR22 drivers in South Carolina typically pay $140–$280/mo ($1,680–$3,360/year) in the first 12 months after their SR-22 requirement ends, a 30–50% decrease from peak SR-22 rates. Rates continue dropping as the violation ages: drivers with a single DUI or suspension typically reach near-standard rates within 36 months of the SR-22 end date if no new violations occur. The violation remains visible on your South Carolina driving record for 10 years from the conviction date, but its impact on premiums diminishes significantly after the 3-year SR-22 period ends.
What Affects Your Rate
- Time since SR-22 requirement ended: rates drop 15–25% at 12 months post-filing, 30–50% at 36 months
- Clean driving during and after SR-22 period: zero violations for 12+ months qualifies you for standard carrier consideration
- Type of original violation: DUI typically adds 24–36 months to full rate recovery vs. suspension for points
- Continuous coverage history: maintaining insurance without lapses during SR-22 period reduces post-SR22 premiums by 10–20%
- City and county: Charleston and Greenville post-SR22 rates run 15–30% higher than Spartanburg or Anderson due to claim frequency
- Credit score impact: South Carolina allows credit-based insurance scoring, and post-SR22 drivers with improved credit see faster rate recovery
Your SR-22 period is ending — you can access standard rates again
Most drivers see significant savings when they transition off SR-22. Compare current rates now.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. South Carolina's 25/50/25 minimums are the legal floor, but post-SR22 drivers shopping standard carriers often increase to 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 to demonstrate responsibility and access better carrier options.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays for your injuries and vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has no insurance or inadequate limits. South Carolina requires insurers to offer UM coverage at the same limits as your liability policy, and you must reject it in writing.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage to your vehicle: theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, and animal strikes. Comprehensive claims are not at-fault events and do not count as violations that delay your rate recovery timeline.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident or collision with an object, minus your deductible. Collision is typically the most expensive component of full coverage for post-SR22 drivers.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, comprehensive, and collision into a complete protection package. Full coverage is required by lenders if you finance or lease a vehicle, and it protects your asset and rate recovery timeline simultaneously.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies issued by carriers specializing in high-risk drivers, including those with active SR-22 requirements, DUIs, or suspensions. Non-standard carriers typically charge 50–150% more than standard carriers but accept drivers standard carriers will not.
